Going on a family vacation and packing for everyone is like a carefully planned operation. Remembering all the right clothes for every possible activity is hard enough without having to remember any toys to keep the kids entertained.
I wanted to create an essential guide to packing toys that you can bring with you which are easy to carry, portable and will keep the kids entertained and happy whether you are having to wait at the airport, traveling on a plane or a road trip.
They are also great to use on vacation whether it's in a restaurant or at the hotel or back at home after the vacation ends.
Learn how to pack a toy bag for travel and discover what essentials to include for a fun-filled family vacation
Not Just Bags: Choosing the Best Toy Bags for Travel
When you are packing your bag for carry one and hand luggage I like to separate the toys into a separate packing cube or smaller travel bag within your diaper bag. This is so I can easily grab it out before putting your luggage into the overhead compartments.
These handy toys can be kept hidden from your toddler and bring them out one at a time so as to keep some as a 'surprise' when the fidgeting starts. Having a mix of a few new toys and some tried and tested favorites is also good idea.
Try and keep a schedule like you would at home so during the day time play hour have them engaging in the more active travel toys but when it gets close to nap or night time choose a quieter book or their favorite stuffy to prepare them for sleeping. Having a window seat can also be a good idea if you have a choice so that they don't have to be disturbed to move if someone needs the bathroom.
Car Pouch & Play Mat
So Handmade's range of innovative travel toys are perfect to stow away in a carry on and bring out on the plane for entertainment. They are the best airplane toys and the best toys for holidays! This toy car mat and pouch is a perfect all-in-one travel entertainment center!
Go To Travel Toys: Make Your Own Busy Bags
The best way for packing toys for travel is to organize the toys for each individual child.
I love using zippered pouches which you can personalize with a label with the kids name and bring out when they need a toy to entertain them.
Once you have your labeled zippered pouches ready to take with you on vacation here are some of the best children's travel toys to fill them with as an alternative to screen time.
Here are some great ideas for toys to take on your travels.
Travel Play Mats For A Great Trip
Shop toddler travel toys now
The Carry-On Rule: What Can You Actually Take in Cabin Baggage?
Most small toys are fine to bring with you as carry on for the plane ride. Make sure you don't however bring any type of kids nerf guns, squirt guns or similar imitation weapons. If you plan on bringing any toys that have batteries also check these comply with the airline rules before traveling. Or remove batteries before packing toys.
Best Seller Travel Toy Bag
Our Toy Car Playmat is one of our bestsellers for kids on the go.
For toy cars, this is many a toddlers favorites. It has a road track and bridge to drive around and numbered pockets for your favorite vehicles. It rolls up all together with the toy cars when its time to go.
Road Tape & Train Tape
is the perfect aeroplane toys for kids of all ages. It's small and portable to bring with you and easily fits into your carry on bag. Roll the tape out on the tray table or plane window and create your own road or train tracks to play on. These rolls are so small to fit into your carry on bag. Remember to bring a favorite toy car, train or even a toy plane to drive around too!
How Do You Pack Small Toys?
I don't suggest bringing really small toys such as small hatchimals or animal figures onto the plane or traveling. These can get dropped and lost really easily. Also stay away from bringing any delicate toys as they could easily get broken.
If you do decide to bring them I suggest you also pack them in zippered bags.
A great tip is to add a sticker to the front of the pouch where you write down exactly what and how many is in the bag. That way you can make sure they are all returned after play time.
Kids's Holder Passport
The Adventure Awaits passport holder are ideal for adults and children alike. The passport wallet fits a passport perfectly to keep it protected and safe while traveling. Get this stylish new passport holder as a great gift for a world traveler. Add this travel essentials accessory to your order today!
How to Involve Your Kids In Packing
Encouraging your child to pack and carry their own toy bag is a simple way to bring Montessori principles into your travels.
By involving them in choosing a few meaningful toys, you’re supporting independence, decision-making, and a sense of responsibility. A thoughtfully packed bag filled with open-ended, screen-free activities helps children feel prepared and in control of their environment, which can lead to calmer, more focused play on the go.
This kind of child-led participation not only builds confidence but also nurtures practical life skills that extend far beyond the journey.
Curating the Essentials: What to Pack in Your Toddler’s Carry-On
Toddlers and younger children love carrying their own bags when going away on vacation but keep in mind that when they are tired or for no reason at all they might refuse to carry it anymore and you are left with more bags to carry!
For this reason I love a foldable travel duffel bag or totes. It zips up really small and I keep it in my bag. Then once layers are discarded, bags are dropped and duty free shopping has been done I can get it out and put everything in this one larger bag. So much easier for carrying! This is also a great totes for using on vacation especially to take for wet towels after a beach visit.
So if you pack a backpack for your toddler make sure not to overfill or make it too heavy as you will be the one who has to bear the brunt!
Here's what I recommend you pack in your toddlers carry on:
- Favorite stuffed animal
- Favorite car or toy vehicle
- Refillable water bottle
- Small story or sticker book
- Check out my collection of Screen Free Toddler Toys for busy kids on the go!
Free Road Trip Printables
Don't forget to download our free road trip and travel activity sheets!
Benefits of Using Busy Bags For Travel:
So Handmade's range of Travel Play mats offers a convenient solution for on-the-go entertainment, fitting neatly into your purse for spontaneous play sessions. These play mats offer numerous benefits for your children, serving as a screen-free alternative.
1. Stimulating Entertainment:
Travel Playmats serve as dynamic backdrops for your children's imaginative tales and adventures, evolving with their storytelling throughout the journey, ensuring enduring engagement on lengthy trips.
2. Fostering Imagination and Creativity:
These playmats ignite children's creativity, encouraging them to craft their own narratives and scenarios. Initiate play by leveraging the theme of the mat to spark conversations that blossom into elaborate games and stories.
3. Learning Opportunities:
Travel Play mats double as educational tools, enabling the integration of learning into playtime. From identifying dinosaurs to engaging in matching games and counting exercises, these mats facilitate skill development on the fly.
4. Comfort and Familiarity:
Amidst the chaos of travel, these playmats offer a comforting sense of familiarity for children, easing their anxieties in unfamiliar surroundings. Adding personal touches like their favorite toy to a themed mat can further enhance their sense of security.
5. Portability and Versatility:
Crafted with portability in mind, So Handmade's Travel Play mats are lightweight and easily transportable, folding or rolling up for compact storage. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, they provide endless play possibilities—from long trips to park outings and beach days.
Conclusion: Why Are Toy Bags For Travel Important For Stress Free Family Trips
Having a busy bag in your travel bag or seat pocket will not only will it keep your child occupied, but it will also encourage their imagination and creativity to flourish.
When it comes to travel essentials for children, busy bags are a must-have item. These versatile travel bags come in various sizes, colors, and designs, making them perfect for carrying your child's favorite toys wherever you go. Whether it's a long road journey, a trip to the beach, or simply running errands around town, having a toy bag ensures that your kid stays entertained and happy.
Packing a toy bag for travel can make all the difference when it comes to stress-free trips with kids. Whether you’re heading to grandma’s house, planning long car rides, or just running everyday errands, having a go-to toy bag packed with the right toys, snacks, and wipes is essential.
Choose a durable kids backpack or travel bag with a front pocket for small items like crayons or stickers that should be easily accessible. Parents know how much kids love having their own space to pack their favorite baby toys, and friends are always asking for tips once they see how well it works.
A washable, durable option saves money in the long run, especially when it holds up to messes and everyday use. Be sure to pack a change of clothes, a few engaging toys, and maybe even a surprise treat for when boredom hits.
At So Handmade, we believe in quality and convenience, and we ship our handmade toy rolls and mats quickly so you’re ready for any trip just mention this post as an example of how to pack smart!
If you like this blog post make sure you check out my Toddler Travel Tips and Road Trip Toys for more ideas. Make sure you also check out our printable large construction coloring page for some fun play and color time.